HOME PROFILE: 1880 beauty offers modern living in Essex

Friday

Apr 14, 2017 at 7:39 AM

That this remarkable shingle-style carriage house dates to 1880 seems impossible. Impeccably updated, renovated and remodeled, this home with style and character to spare in every room is really a "new" old house. Oh, there’s a barn and guest house, too. More on that later.

By Barbara Forster / GateHouse Media

ADDRESS: 21 Spring St., Essex

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 4 full; 1 half

LIVING SPACE: 4,451 sq. ft.

PRICE: $1,299,000

That this remarkable shingle-style carriage house dates to 1880 seems impossible. Impeccably updated, renovated and remodeled, this home with style and character to spare in every room is really a "new" old house. Oh, there’s a barn and guest house, too. More on that later.

Let’s go in

Now about the U-shaped, galley-like kitchen … Fully open to just about "everything" on the first floor, this chef’s delight has an oversized center island with a mini veggie sink, seats at least three and is under another tray ceiling with both uplighting (for ambiance) and pendant task lighting.

Stunning cherry cabinets accented by a gorgeous glass tile back splash line the perimeter, showcasing gleaming stainless steel appliances. The main sink overlooks the lushly landscaped back yard (with underground irrigation) that includes an in-ground pool with a unique waterfall feature.

By the way, the restored two-story barn —a n ideal spot for a car collector/enthusiast or someone seeking the ultimate workshop — is also part of the view. Just so you know, the barn has a "garage" door at the back so you can drive right in.

Tucked into a bump out, the family room with a turret-like ceiling (with uplighting) overlooks the beautiful yard and has full glass sliders to the deck. The heated tile floor keeps this space comfortable regardless of the season.

Exceptionally inviting, the adjacent Great Room falls into the "destination" category. With its soaring vaulted ceiling (at least 20 feet high at the peak) and a striking water feature over the gas fireplace with a beautiful surround, this room is a crowd pleaser. A wet bar with a sweet hammered copper sink is a plus.

Indoor/outdoor living and entertaining is very doable. A long window wall with multi-paned French doors topped with an eyebrow window leads directly to the grand-sized deck with a charming pergola over one section.

A spacious half bathroom with a stunning vessel sink is also on this level.

The "side" entry (via a covered porch) leads to a grand-sized foyer with a heated tile floor and double closet. With this "private" access, the current office with an en suite bathroom offers numerous possibilities. Use as is or make this guest quarters. Another option is to create a first-floor master suite by expanding into the "foyer" and switching out the current door to French doors or sliders.

Going down

Taking the staircase to the lower level is well worth the journey. A comfortable media room has attractive cork panel wainscoting that doubles as soundproofing; the tile floor keeps maintenance to a minimum. A dry bar and beverage cooler are handy when entertaining or relaxing.

This level also has a "bonus" workshop. (Yes, a second one.)

But there are more surprises. One is a spacious sauna almost directly across from a full bathroom with a beautiful glass vessel sink and step-in shower with an etched glass door. Talk about a spa experience…

An old-fashioned feature — with a twist, of course — is the regulation basement with a stone foundation and good ceiling height. A full-size washer and dryer plus high-energy utilities equipment like the Buderus furnace address modern needs but the second staircase that goes directly to the kitchen is super convenient.

On the second floor …

Treats on the second floor start with the Arts & Crafts-style spindles on the staircase and continue in the master suite. The huge sleeping chamber has a cove ceiling with uplighting and a view: enjoy sunrises from a king-size bed. The walk-in closet, along with a double closet, has cherry flooring, open shelving and specialized hanging spaces.

While all this is nice (OK, very nice), the en suite bathroom steals the show, particularly a high barrel ceiling with side uplighting. This spa-like room also has a jetted tub and a fully tiled double shower, multiple sprays and a bench. Oh, the tile floor is heated.

Large and bright with ample closet space, two additional bedrooms on this level share a full bathroom with an artisan-style porcelain sink and a tub/shower combination.

Wait ’til you see the fully finished third floor. Two huge rooms, one with a cove ceiling and a seemingly endless amount of eave storage is an ideal playroom for almost any age. With two deep closets, the other room could be a bedroom. Either room also works as a yoga studio or study.

Bonus, bonus

The perks with this property just keep on going and include a freestanding guest house. This private and completely renovated "residence" that can be used for guests or as a rental has a massive bedroom with an 11-foot-long closet. The fully open floor plan features a U-shaped kitchen, laundry facilities and a large bathroom with a tub/shower combination. This has its own outdoor space, too: a patio with a pergola.

Contact Julie Gamble Smith of By The Sea Sotheby’s International Realty at 978-337-9644 or 978-865-1168, Ext. 116 or by email: julie.smith1@sothebysrealty.com